Batavia Public School District 101: Mask Update To Families - February 10, 2022

Batavia IL

11 February, 2022

10:28 AM

Description

Press release from Batavia Public School District 101: February 10, 2022 Dear BPS101 Community, Throughout the pandemic, we have endeavored to balance safety and student learning to the extent practicable. The last two years have not been easy and have taken a toll on our students and their families, as well as our teachers, staff, and community. Conditions continue to change, and fortunately, our tools and strategies to contain the impact are improving. While we believe that we remain subject to the Governor's executive orders, enforcement has become impossible and disruptive.  We no longer have the ability to maintain universal masking in our schools.  Coupled with the significant downward trend in new cases, we have decided to suspend enforcement of the indoor mask mandate.  Masks remain recommended and everyone should wear them in our schools, especially when social distancing cannot be maintained.  If conditions worsen or outbreaks occur, we may need to return to strict enforcement of masking.  Meanwhile, all other mitigation strategies will remain in place. For the latest information on our mitigation strategies and plan, please see our School Year 2021-22 Info page. If you have concerns about this change, we are here for you.  Please contact your school principal, and we'll do our best to support you.   Other considerations and reminders It is clear that many in our community have differing opinions and strong emotions about masking.  Despite these differences, we expect students, staff, and the community to treat each other with respect and kindness.  We are all neighbors, friends, and classmates — and we must continue to treat each other as Bulldogs. As you well know, this remains a fluid situation and things will continue to change. We thank you for your patience and compassion. We're in this together. Sincerely, Dr. Lisa Hichens Superintendent This press release was produced by Batavia Public School District 101. The views expressed here are the author's own.